It began with a small, itchy patch on my leg—something I chalked up to dry air or maybe a bug bite. But within days, it escalated into a painful rash that spread across my entire leg. The surprising culprit? My own bed sheets.

Beds, especially if not cleaned regularly, can become hotbeds for bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. My doctor diagnosed me with contact dermatitis and a fungal infection—both triggered by unwashed bedding. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to irritants, making us even more susceptible to these hidden dangers.

What changed everything was my routine. I began washing sheets weekly in hot water (at least 60°C), switched to hypoallergenic detergents, and showered before bed. I also started changing pajamas every other night, using a mattress protector, and vacuuming my mattress monthly. These small steps made a huge difference.

The experience taught me that healthy skin often starts in the bedroom. Especially for those over 60, overlooked habits can have serious effects. Rashes, itching, or infections may be less about what you ate and more about what you’re sleeping in.

Your bed should be a place of healing, not harm. So don’t wait—clean your bedding regularly and protect your skin. Sometimes, the most powerful fixes are the simplest ones.